While the Mariners are literally the worst hitting team in baseball (at least by batting average), their prospects are anything but Seattle has arguably the greatest collection of hitting prospects of any team in baseball. It's been a bit tough lately with Colt Emerson and Jonny Farmelo have both been injured, but some recognition is due for a couple of their other hitters, and it was received when the announcements were made as to who would be playing in this year's Futures Game.
Cole Young and Harry Ford made the Futures Game roster
Cole Young is first up, and he's actually the top prospect in the Mariners system. Ranking 23rd in all of baseball over at MLB Pipeline, Young has been skyrocketing up the prospect rankings because of his impressive hit tool. Still incredibly young for being in AA ball (he turns 21 at the end of July), Young has put up a .265/.358/.392 line with 7 HR and 13 SB through 69 games. It may not seem impressive at first glance, but definitely is once you remember that he's over four years younger than the average hitter there.
Next up is Harry Ford, who actually slots just one spot behind Young and is the 24th-ranked prospect in baseball. A big part of the reasons Ford is so fun to watch is the deceptive speed from catcher, as he already has 21 steals on the season. His slash line is similar to Young's, as Ford is hitting .253/.372/.377 in AA.
Ford has already had some big and fun moments early in his career, earning the starting nod at catcher behind the plate for Great Britain during the World Baseball Classic, and even stepping up to the challenge by going yard twice and hitting .308/.400/.846!
While it's not an indicator of future success, it's still going to be a good watch to see these young Mariners in the game, and a chance to watch them play against some of the most talented prospects in baseball. With the Mariners struggles at the plate, we may see them sooner rather than later, and now is as good a time as any to get more familiar with Harry Ford and Cole Young.